Reason 98

Snail mail. I imagine it is quite obvious from the 97 other missives I've posted that I am a fan of the written word. Some say I use too many words on a regular basis. To them I say "bah!" Clearly, those cynics don't appreciate the power contained by text on a page. I also happen to be a naysayer when it comes to technology, mostly because all of the wonderful gadgets that consume our lives also tend to detract from the beauty, terror, passion, humor and kindness one can experience when her eyes drift from left to right, top to bottom, relishing every curve and straight line that delightfully connect, filling up the once-blank space before her (ok, that was a lot of words). Sure, people still write on a daily basis, but these messages are often brief, uninspired and, much to my dismay, filled with glaring grammatical errors. I fear we have lost a bit of our art and creativity with the advent of email and text messaging, and what's even more disheartening is that most people don't care. Well, Jason, I care. Which is why, if we were friends, I would vow to send you actual letters that you can hold in your giant hands. I would scour the greeting card racks at every stationery store I frequent in search of the perfect card for whatever occasion has befallen you. I would write a witty note or jot down words of encouragement, whichever was more appropriate, and then I would slobber on the flap of the envelope, afix a stamp, and send my heartfelt greeting on its merry way. If I had done my job you would chuckle gleefully or perhaps shed a single tear if you were moved by my words, and then you would clasp that card to your chest and thank the universe for bringing a person who supports the United States Postal Service into your life. Of course, all of this is contingent upon the price of stamps being reasonable, so don't get too hopeful. I love the postal system, but it seems the men and women in blue are getting a wee bit greedy with their demands for 42 cents. A girl's gotta' eat, afterall.